Boobs Getting in the Way of Your Workout? Check Out Our Most Supportive Sports Bra Picks for Large Breasts

There are few things more frustrating during a workout than, well, boobs on the loose. Nearly one in five women say their breasts prevent them from participating in physical activity, according to research published in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health. So if you’re a lady with larger breasts, finding a supportive sports bra is crucial to getting in your sweat sesh comfortably. The survey of 249 women found that not being able to find the right sports bra and being embarrassed by breast movement were the two biggest barriers to breaking a sweat.

Not only do bouncing boobs make working out a challenge, but all that commotion can be downright painful. “Larger chested women will see larger amounts of breast movement than their smaller breasted counterparts,” says Michelle Norris, Ph.D., a research fellow at the University of Limerick. “There is reason to believe that with inadequate external support over the long term, these ligaments and skin may become damaged or stretched, which could possibly lead to breast sag over time.”

How to find supportive sports bras for large breasts

There are three major things ladies with bigger breasts should look for in a sports bra: fit, support, and comfort. In execution, this can look different for each woman, Norris says. Some women may like adjustable straps and back-clasps, but others might be fine with an over-the-head pick. Finding specific sizing like your day-to-day lingerie (i.e. 36C, 38DD) can make for a more customized fit, but if you feel comfortable with a size medium, large, or extra-large, then that's fine too. But no matter your preference, large-chested ladies should look for a substantial bottom band to provide that extra oomph and some sort of cups that enclose all the breast tissue so that there’s no gaping or bulging.

“It is a misconception with many women that the shoulder straps provide the main support, however it is the underband which is of most importance,” she says. “A well-fitted underband should act as a shelf for the breasts to sit on, with the straps then providing additional support and maintaining the sports bra in the right position.”

While they may be challenging to find, there are great sports bra options out there, and we’ve done the work to help you find them. Strap in, and get back out there with these editor and reviewer-approved picks.